Thyssenkrupp Materials, which included materials trading and shipbuilding.

However, rising trade tensions between the US and China and fears of a disorderly Brexit have dented share prices, forcing a number of companies, including Continental and Volkswagen, to review plans for spin-offs and listings.

The European Commission opened its investigation in October, after concerns that customers would face higher prices and fewer suppliers.

The proposed deal included the UK's biggest steelworks, at Port Talbot in Wales.

Unions initially welcomed the merger, but then said they were "unconvinced" after it started looking more like a takeover.